Geneva College's Chemistry Society accepting soil test samples

Lawn and garden soil samples will be accepted and tested from March 11 – 29.

BEAVER FALLS, PA (03/07/2013)(readMedia)-- With spring right around the corner, the Geneva College Chemistry Society is once again accepting lawn and garden soil samples for testing. Samples will be accepted from Monday, March 11 through Friday, March 29. Only the first 100 samples will be accepted for analysis.

Soil samples can be brought to Geneva College campus in Beaver Falls, outside room 212 in the Science and Engineering Building (S&E) from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Soil samples may also be sent by mail to:

Dr. Kerry McMahon

Geneva College

3200 College Avenue

Beaver Falls, PA 15010

To obtain a lawn or garden sample, use a clean trowel to dig up a plug of soil about six inches in depth. A more representative sample may be obtained by taking several plugs and mixing them together. Soil should be obtained when it is fairly dry, if possible. Spread the soil sample on a newspaper to dry indoors for at least 24 hours, mix thoroughly and break up lumps, and place about one cup into a plastic bag. Label the bag with name and address. If a plot has a problem area, it may be advisable to obtain a separate sample from this area.

Soil will be tested for pH, potassium content and phosphorous content. The pH is a measure of the acidity of the soil. Potassium and phosphorus are fertilizer nutrients needed by plants. Results will be mailed out in late April.

The Geneva Chemistry Society is accepting a donation of two dollars per sample to defray the costs of analysis. Any questions regarding soil testing should be directed to Dr. McMahon at 724-847-6722.

Geneva College invites students to accept the challenge of an academically excellent, Christ-centered education. Offering nearly 40 undergraduate majors, an Adult Degree Completion Program with fully online and campus-based options, and seven graduate degrees, Geneva has programs that place students at the forefront of higher learning. Adhering to the inerrancy of Scripture, the liberal arts core curriculum fosters a breadth of knowledge through the study of humanities, social and natural sciences, and experiential learning.